By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:00, Thursday, 09 February 2012

Two people accused of high-value benefit frauds have been told that their cases will have to be dealt with by a crown court judge.

Jordan Miller, 26, who lives at Hadrian’s Park, Brampton Road, Carlisle faces allegations dating back nine years, and involving an alleged overpayment of benefits of £69,434.

He appeared before magistrates the city’s Rickergate courts complex but entered no plea to the charges.

The first three allegations are that he made false statements to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) with a view to obtaining benefits for himself. The dates involved were in October 2001, August 2004, and April 2005.

The final charge alleges he failed to notify officials that there was a change in his circumstances – namely, an improvement in his health and a reduction in his care needs, which he knew would affect his entitlement to Disability Living Allowance.

Prosecutor Anthony Wilson said the case had been brought by the DWP.

Magistrates said the charges were was so serious they would have to go before a judge.

They adjourned the case until April 4, when they will formally send it to Carlisle Crown Court.

The second high-value DWP case considered by magistrates yesterday – entirely separate from that of Jordan Miller – involved allegations against Carol Young, 33, of Lover’s Lane, Longtown.

She has denied four charges of making a false statement, while living with her partner John Young, so she could get income support. She has also pleaded not guilty to two charges of failing to notify the authorities of a change in her circumstances which she knew would affect her entitlement.

The alleged fraud is valued at £134,519.

Magistrates said the case should be dealt with by a crown court judge.

They adjourned the case until April 4, when it too will be formally sent to the crown court.

Magistrates also adjourned a third unrelated case. Donna McConville, 34, of Stanley Road, Brampton, faces two allegations of making false statements for the purpose of obtaining benefits.

She denied both charges, which involve an alleged overpayment of £13,000.

The case was adjourned and a trial date is yet to be fixed.

First published at 11:23, Thursday, 09 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk